The Wedge Water Temperature and Wetsuit Guide

(Cape Town, South Africa)

Today's The Wedge sea temperature is 16.2 °C

(Which is 1.2°C colder than average for this time of year)

Mean: 17.4 °C
Range: 16.1 °C to 18.7 °C
Statistics for 06 May (1981–2005)

    Today, many surfers would wear a spring wetsuit.

    The water temperature (16 °C) at The Wedge is quite cool. If the sun shines as we have forecast, it should feel warm enough to surf in a good spring wetsuit. Effective windchill factor of (16 °C) will make the air and water feel about the same temperature.

    South Africa Sea Water Temperature

    Map of current South Africa
    Surface Water Temperatures
    based on measurements from oceanographic satellites
    South Africa Water Temperature Anomaly

    Map of current South Africa
    Sea Water Temperature Anomalies

    (compared with long term averages
    at this time of year)

    (click thumbnails to expand)

    Below is a graph of Historical Sea Surface Temperature for The Wedge. This has been derived from analysis of two decades of oceanographic satellite measurements of nearby open water. We have calculated the average water temperature variation around the year as well as the extremes that have been observed on each date.

    The Wedge Water Temperature Graph

    All of the graphs for the surf breaks presented on Surf-Forecast.com are on the same scale to enable comparison between locations around the world.

    The Wedge water temperatures peak in the range 19 to 21°C (66 to 70°F) on around the 28th of January and are at their coldest on about the 15th of July, in the range 14 to 16°C (57 to 61°F). The Wedge water temperatures are highest in the fourth week of January. Surfers should use a 2mm long sleeve shorty or a 3/2mm spring wetsuit if the wind is up. The coldest seasonal water temperatures at The Wedge in mid July lend themselves to a 4/3mm wetsuit or a 3/2mm suit and 3mm neoprene boots.

    Actual sea surface water temperatures close to shore at The Wedge can vary by several degrees compared with these open water averages. This is especially true after heavy rain, close to river mouths or after long periods of strong offshore winds. Offshore winds cause colder deep water to replace surface water that has been warmed by the sun. Air temperature, wind-chill and sunshine should also be considered before deciding on the kind of wetsuit needed to stay warm when surfing at The Wedge. Refer to our detailed weather forecasts for this information.

     

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